BP Apologizes…Nine Days Later

This apologetic e-mail appeared in my inbox on Sunday, nine days after my story from Grand Isle beach first aired. It’s from BP press officer Robert Wine. While it’s always nice to hear from Mr. Wine, I’d rather hear from Doug Suttles. I’ve e-mailed him several times asking for his thoughts on the direct contradiction of his earlier statement. No response from him…only his press people.

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BP media access

Wine, Robert [WineR@bp.com]

Sent:

Sunday, June 20, 2010 1:22 PM

Scott, I’ve just seen your clip of the security men blocking media access.

First, may I apologise for their actions – this is not what BP wants of its response teams.

BP supports the rights of all individuals to share their personal thoughts and experiences with journalists, if they so choose. BP has not and will not prevent anyone working in the cleanup operations from sharing his or her own opinions. However, they are not authorized to speak on behalf of BP or the Deepwater Horizon Response Unified Command. Workers are under no obligation to speak to the media, and may refer journalists to the BP Press Office.

We are in the processof reiterating this message to the many teams working hard right around the region.

[…] It makes no sense, unless, of course, BP has some authority over police and sheriff’s departments in Louisiana, a scenario that BP denies but which seems to crop up again and again. WDSU-TV’s Scott Walker, whose own encounter with an official who attempted to deny him access to a public beach went viral, received an apology from a BP flack nine days later. […]